RAM · Known Issues
2012 RAM 2500 Problems: 14 Known Issues
2012 model year · 9,300+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2012 model year · 9,300+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 9,300+ owner reports, the 2012 RAM 2500 has 14 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation ($500-$3,000 repair), Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play ($100-$1,500 repair), 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure ($1,500-$4,800 repair), 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking ($500-$1,800 repair), 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) ($300-$18,000 repair), Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure ($200-$600 repair), 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure ($450-$1,900 repair) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure ($300-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation with 5,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $18,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, 2024 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Contamination in the central vision processing module or improper programming may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
+ 19 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 9,300+ owner reports, the 2012 RAM 2500 has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play, 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure. Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 RAM 2500 has 14 known issues documented across 9,300+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation and Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play and 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure and 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking and 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) and Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure and 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known RAM 2500 issues range from $100 to $18,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, typically costs $500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The RAM 2500 (and 3500) with solid front axle experiences a violent front-end oscillation known as "death wobble" that occurs at highway speeds (45-65 mph), typically triggered by hitting a bump or pothole. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and the entire front end vibrate… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.
The RAM 2500/3500 steering gear box (power steering box) develops fluid leaks from the input shaft seal and sector shaft seal, and excessive play in the steering. The leak starts as a slow drip and worsens over time, eventually causing low power steering fluid and potential pump… Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: high.
The 68RFE 6-speed automatic behind the Cummins is prone to torque converter shudder and lockup failure. The factory converter's clutch material and heat control are marginal for the Cummins' torque, so the torque converter clutch (TCC) chatters, slips, or refuses to hold lockup,… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,800. Severity: high.
The EGR cooler routes hot exhaust through a coolant-jacketed heat exchanger before recirculating it into the intake. Heavy soot loading progressively plugs the cooler and EGR valve, first showing as slight off-idle hesitation and rising EGTs, then triggering EGR flow/performance… Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: high.
The intake grid (air) heater warms incoming air for cold starts and carries up to ~200 amps through a small threaded stud/bolt secured by a 10mm nut on the intake plenum. Over years of high-current heat cycling the bolt/nut connection deteriorates, arcs, and can break loose. Beca… Repairs typically run $300-$18,000. Severity: high.
The rear driveshaft U-joints in the RAM 2500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks used for towing. The factory U-joints are undersized for sustained heavy load use, and the grease fittings (where present) are often overlooked during maintenance. Symptoms start with a clicking… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.
The Holset HE351VE variable-geometry turbocharger uses an electronically controlled actuator (the geartrain and control board that moves the vane sliding ring) that is a well-documented failure point, often before 100k miles. Soot and carbon buildup, rust/corrosion binding the va… Repairs typically run $450-$1,900. Severity: high.
The TIPM is the central under-hood fuse/relay and power-distribution computer that controls the fuel pump, lighting, wipers, door locks, horn, and trailer-tow circuits. It is a widespread failure point on 2007-2016 Ram trucks. The most common complaint is the internal fuel pump r… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
The BorgWarner BW4470 (part-time 4WD) and BW4494 (full-time 4WD) transfer cases develop fluid leaks at the front and rear output shaft seals and at the case halves. The leaks are often slow and go unnoticed until the fluid level drops enough to cause whine, grinding, or failure t… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
The cast iron exhaust manifold on the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel cracks due to thermal cycling stress, particularly near the center cylinders (#3 and #4). Cracks allow exhaust gases to escape, creating a ticking noise on cold start that diminishes as the manifold expands when warm… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
The American Axle (AAM) front differential on Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks is well known for recurring front pinion seal leaks. The pinion seal rides on a sleeve/wear surface on the pinion flange; over time the seal wears a groove into the sleeve, so simply installing a new seal on a… Repairs typically run $200-$550. Severity: medium.
Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks with the American Axle (AAM) 9.25 front axle are known for premature front ball joint wear, sometimes as early as 25,000 miles. The OE upper 'slider'/telescoping ball joint is non-greaseable and its housing deforms to compensate for upper/lower misalignme… Repairs typically run $400-$950. Severity: medium.
Ram 2500 dashboards are widely reported to crack, split, and in some cases lift or collapse around the passenger airbag and defroster vents, with the highest incidence on the 2001-2003 range but continuing on later trucks. The dash-top plastic degrades under UV/heat and splits wi… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: low.
The HVAC blend-door actuators behind the RAM 2500 dash use small plastic gears that strip over time. When the gear teeth fail, the actuator motor repeatedly tries and fails to move the blend door, producing a persistent clicking/knocking noise from behind the dash and loss of tem… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.